Belfast News: Compassion Pronounced Dead!

Following one of the severest winters in Northern Ireland and the growing number of people facing economic woes. Most people can relate to those in need, even those who circumstances force them to beg but a district judge in Belfast is having none of it, as he jailed a 'Homeless Man' for a week, following his conviction for the offence of begging.

The man, who is homeless, admitted begging, but was jailed for a week after being unable to pay the £80 fine, imposed by the judge. 

The District Judge 'refused' to give Piotr Dabrowski (58) a conditional discharge, indicating that the defendant had two other begging convictions and that it was clear they had not deterred him.

Editorial

Welcome to the 21st Century in Belfast, a city now unashamed to kick someone who's already down, where its easier to punish that to help.

Is it really a crime to beg for another's help, when you are homeless and in dire straights? The people who have the most, expensed the most and in some cases even stole the most, may have made it an offence and illegal, but is it a crime to you, or is the real crime the imprisonment of someone in need or those attempting to deter those in need from being visible or making their 'cries' for help heard?

Last Updated: 19th February 2011